San Miguel revives Nutribun for communities affected by COVID-19 quarantine

Diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. (SMC) has revived the Nutribun, a vitamin-packed bread, to be distributed to charitable groups and Metro Manila communities where families have no access to food due to the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

SMC said its version of the Nutribun has 250 calories per bun, which will serve as an energy source for families unable to secure food amid the enhanced community quarantine.

"This is safe, sufficient, and nutritious food for the hardest-hit families facing hunger as a result of the COVID-19 crisis," said SMC president and COO Ramon Ang in an emailed statement.

The first batch of Nutribuns will be donated to Caritas Manila.

Nutribun was introduced in the 1970s and was primarily distributed to public elementary school students to combat child malnutrition during the time.

"We will continue to step up and find creative ways to help the neediest and most vulnerable. Panic will not solve anything. We have the means, we just have to work together to win this battle," said Ang.

According to SMC, it has already started to donate food packs to the Philippine General Hospital, the Philippine Children's Medical Center, Quirino Memorial Medical Center, Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center, St. Luke's Medical Center, and The Medical City.

It has also allocated donations for local government units of Mandaluyong and Paranaque, the Eastern Police District, Northern Police District, and Camp Karingal.

The company earlier assured that its food services unit -- which carries brands such as Magnolia, Monterey, and Purefoods -- would operate 24/7 amid the quarantine.

From 12:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, the entire Luzon was placed on enhanced community quarantine until April 12, restricting travel within the region in efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.—AOL, GMA News